Sunday, January 15, 2017

The lead bishop for mental health, Bishop Richard
Moth, has welcomed the Government’s plans to prioritise and promote
well-being and mental health in communities, schools and workplaces.

In a speech delivered 9th.
January at the annual Charity Commission lecture, Prime Minister
Theresa May announced a package of new measures to support people with
mental health problems, particularly young people.

Figures show mental illness
disproportionately affects the young and those on lower and middle
incomes. Over half of mental health problems start by the age of 14 and
75 per cent by 18.

Included in the Government’s plans
are “mental health first aid training” for teachers in all secondary
schools, a partnership with employers to improve support in the
workplace, and extra funding for community-based care and online mental
health projects.

“I want to see mental health
addressed not just in our hospitals, but in our classrooms and
communities”, wrote May in a blog for the Huffington Post announcing the
new measures.

“I want to see the stigma stripped
away so that no-one in this country feels unable to talk about what
they’re going through or seek help.”

Bishop Moth said: “I am delighted
that the Prime Minister has promised to tackle the social stigma
attached to mental ill-health and has made improving mental health
support a priority for her government.

“Properly resourced services are
essential for our society, yet far too many people still do not receive
the support they urgently need.”

One in 4 people has a common mental disorder at any one time and the
economic and social cost of mental illness is £105 billion – similar to
the entire annual NHS budget.